If you want to create Fujifilm portraits but don’t want to go broke doing it, these four excellent — yet often overlooked — lenses should not be ignored.
There are multitudes of lenses available for photographers when it comes to shooting Fujifilm portraits. First, you’ve got the classic, fast prime options from Fujifilm themselves and, of course, their excellent fast zooms as well.
However, now that third-party manufacturers have started producing lenses for Fujifilm’s X mount, the options for those who want to shoot Fujifilm portraits have grown. The great news is that these excellent third-party lenses are all wallet-friendly on top of being top performers. If you’re looking for lenses from someone other than Fujifilm to help you create portraits that will make jaws drop, check out four of our favorite affordable lenses for Fujifilm portraits below.
Sigma 30mm f/1.4 DC DN — For full-length Fujifilm portraits
Small, lightweight and as sharp as a knife. The Sigma 30mm f/1.4 will give you an equivalent focal length of 45mm. This fast prime will provide better compression than a 35mm lens will for portraits while not being quite as tight as a 50mm. The colors it renders are divine, and the bokeh — especially at f/1.4 — will make your heart skip a beat. This focal length is perfect for whole body and 3/4 length shots. In our review, we said:
“I particularly like the bokeh it renders on subjects in the middle distance when wide-open. This lens has a little character to it, and I like that. Up close, the backgrounds fade into smooth oblivion nicely. Between the character of the bokeh and that signature “Sigma” contrast, the look this lens delivers is one that I really enjoy.”
John Bradford
Laowa Argus 33mm f/0.95 CF APO — You’ve never seen APS-C bokeh like it
This manual focus prime from Laowa is a lens that all Fujifilm portrait photographers should take a closer look at. As you can imagine, at f/0.95, this lens delivers the dreamiest bokeh. In addition, nail focus and the sharpness of the optics will amaze you. With an equivalent focal length of 49.5mm, this classic portrait lens will allow you to capture 3/4 length shots and even headshots with ease. In our review, we said:
“Laowa really knocked it out of the park with the Argus 33mm. The build feels great, the images are beautiful and packed with character, and the price is right for what you get.”
John Bradford
Sigma 56mm f/1.4 DC DN — A must-own lens for Fujifilm portraits
Think of 85mm equivalent lenses for Fujifilm portraits, and Fuji’s own 56mm f/1.2 probably springs into mind. However, it has a challenger as a go-to portrait lens in the Sigma 56mm f/1.4. This fast prime is like the 30mm f/1.4 listed above in that it’s razor-sharp, it’s small and it’s light. The classic equivalent 85mm (OK, it’s 84mm) focal length for portraits that this lens gives you, though, is its coup de grâce. The compression will create flattering facial features and the bokeh will melt your heart. In our review, we said:
“This lens is well regarded as a great portrait lens for APS-C and Micro Four Thirds cameras, and with good reason. The combination of the 56mm focal length, the f/1.4 max aperture and good design by Sigma will get you an excellent bokeh producing lens for your Fujifilm camera.”
John Bradford
Tamron 17-70mm f/2.8 — For environmental portraits and headshots and all in-between
If you’re a photographer who likes to keep things simple, the Tamron 17-70mm f/2.8 could be the Fujifilm portrait lens for you. This lens, which gives an equivalent focal range of 25.5-105mm, is the perfect lens for all types of portraits, from environmental portraits to full body length, to 3/4 length portraits and headshots. It’s sharp, light, weather-sealed and renders fantastic colors and bokeh. It’s a fast focuser too. In our review, we said:
“This is honestly where I was most surprised. Most zoom lenses aren’t known for their bokeh, but the Tamron 17-70mm is an exception to this rule. Bokeh balls are gorgeous and round, and produce a nice fall-off in the background. For anyone shooting portraits on Fujifilm, this will be a great option.”
Managing Editor — Bryan Esler
